Finland frustration for MINI pair

WRC Team MINI Portugal drivers Armindo Araujo and Paulo Nobre have both reported problems in their efforts to make an impact on Neste Oil Rally Finland, round eight of the FIA World Rally Championship.

Following Friday’s opening brace of stages Araujo is 24th overall with team-mate Nobre back in 39th in his identical MINI John Cooper Works WRC.

“We are not fast enough and we don’t have a good feeling with the car,” said Araujo. “We are working to find a good set-up and to get good confidence with the pace notes.”

Nobre, meanwhile, reported his mechanics had to change his car’s electronic control unit at service in Jyvaskyla this morning after a fault was discovered. The Brazilian then explained that he encountered problems changing gears on stage five.

“I don’t know what’s going on but it’s hard to change gear without losing the throttle,” said Nobre. “Every time I change gear I lose time.”

Finnish privateer Riku Tahko is the top MINI driver in 21st position, one place ahead of veteran countryman Sebastian Lindholm, who is running first on the road in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC.